9 Smart Home Maintenance Moves You’ll Be Glad You Did This March 🛠️🌷
Let’s be honest—home maintenance isn’t exactly glamorous.
It’s not the thing you’re dying to do on your Saturday morning. But hear us out...
A couple of hours this March could save you thousands in unexpected repairs, protect your investment, and give your home a major refresh as we finally (finally!) say goodbye to winter.
And if you live in Halifax—where the weather can flip from snowstorm to sunny patio weather in 24 hours—you really don’t want to skip this.
Here are 9 smart, simple home maintenance moves every Halifax homeowner should tackle this March—and a few might actually surprise you.
1. Start at the Top: Check Your Roof & Gutters 🏠💧
Winter is tough on roofs. The snow piles up, melts, re-freezes, and starts all over again. What’s left behind?
Shingles that peel, gutters that clog, and hidden damage you won’t notice until rain starts seeping into your attic.
This month, do a quick check for:
Loose, curled, or missing shingles
Detached or sagging gutters
Overflowing downspouts
Water stains on your ceilings
👉 Pro tip: Use binoculars from the ground or hire a local pro if you’re unsure—it’s worth it for the peace of mind.
Why bother? Because small roof issues now can lead to major leaks once that spring rain hits.
2. Test Your Sump Pump Before It’s Too Late 💦
Picture this: It’s a rainy April day, your basement is bone dry... and then—boom—your sump pump fails, and your floor turns into a swimming pool.
Let’s not go there.
This weekend, do the 2-minute test:
Pour a bucket of water into the pit.
Watch to see if the pump kicks in and drains it.
Hear weird noises? No action? Time for a replacement or repair.
Bonus: Clean out debris from the pit while you’re at it.
If your home has a sump pump, this step isn’t optional. Halifax’s spring thaw and heavy rains are no joke.
3. Breathe Easier: Replace Those HVAC Filters 🌬️
It’s not exciting, but this one pays off big time.
Dirty filters = stale air, higher bills, and a furnace or heat pump that’s working way harder than it should.
Here’s why you should care:
You’ll lower your energy costs
Your system will last longer
Your indoor air will feel fresher (especially helpful after a sealed-up winter)
Haven’t changed yours in 3+ months? Pop a new one in this week—it only takes five minutes.
4. Let the Sunshine In: Wash Windows & Check Screens 🪟☀️
When was the last time you cleaned your windows? No judgment—we’ve all neglected them over the winter. But March is the month to let the light back in.
Here’s your quick plan:
Wash glass inside and out with vinegar + warm water
Wipe sills and frames (especially salt residue!)
Inspect screens for holes or tears
Why now? Because soon you’ll want those windows open—and torn screens mean uninvited bugs.
Set the mood for spring. Bright windows = a brighter home.
5. Wake Up Your Lawn & Garden 🌱🧤
Your lawn has been hibernating for months under snow, ice, and wet leaves. Want it to bounce back fast? Start giving it love now.
This month, you can:
Rake up old leaves and debris
Prune shrubs and ornamental trees
Aerate if the ground is soft enough
Sprinkle grass seed in patchy areas
Clean and sharpen garden tools
Why do it in March? Early prep = an easier growing season. Plus, your yard will look awesome just as your neighbours are still scrambling.
6. Unclog Your Exterior Vents 🔧💨
Here’s one most homeowners completely forget—but it’s a biggie.
Dryer vents, bathroom fans, and range hoods can get blocked by lint, snow, or ice over the winter.
Take a walk around your house and check:
Is airflow clear and strong?
Do you feel warmth or hear the fan?
Is there lint buildup on the outside cover?
Blocked vents don’t just mess with air quality—they’re fire hazards, too.
Take 15 minutes to check them and breathe easier (literally).
7. Safety Check: Smoke & CO Detectors 🔥
Quick reality check: If a fire broke out tonight—or carbon monoxide leaked—would your alarms even go off?
This month, make sure they do:
Test each detector (press the button and wait for the beep)
Swap in fresh batteries
Check the expiration date (yes, they expire after 7–10 years!)
This is an easy, 10-minute job that could literally save your life. Worth it.
8. Reclaim Your Garage or Storage Space 🚗🧽
Winter turns garages into clutter catch-alls. Shovels, broken holiday lights, half-empty salt buckets—it’s a lot.
Spend one hour doing this:
Toss anything broken or expired
Move snow gear to the back
Pull out warm-weather items (bikes, yard chairs, sports gear)
Sweep and spot-clean salt damage
Why now? A tidy garage = smoother mornings and less chaos as the season shifts.
Plus, if you’re planning to sell this spring, buyers love an organized storage space.
9. Touch Up Paint & Caulking 🎨🔧
Now that the snow has melted (mostly...), it’s time to check your home’s exterior for signs of wear and tear.
Look for:
Peeling or faded paint on trim and siding
Gaps in caulking around windows and doors
Wood exposed to the elements
Touching up these spots isn’t just about curb appeal (though that helps!)—it prevents water and pest damage before it starts.
Paint now, thank yourself later.
Bonus: Planning to Sell? Start With These!
If selling is on your radar this spring or summer, this maintenance list is your launchpad.
Buyers notice well-cared-for homes. They love:
Clean windows
A neat yard
Fresh paint
Clear storage
Peace of mind (thanks, updated smoke detectors!)
Want help figuring out where to start?
At The Perkins Group, we work with Halifax homeowners every day to prep, price, and sell smart. We’ll connect you with trusted local pros, help you time the market, and guide you through every step.
Your March To-Do List, Recap:
✅ Check your roof and gutters
✅ Test your sump pump
✅ Replace HVAC filters
✅ Clean windows & screens
✅ Prep your lawn and garden
✅ Clear exterior vents
✅ Test smoke/CO detectors
✅ Declutter garage/storage
✅ Touch up paint and caulking
Final Thought: Your Home Deserves a Little Love
Here’s the thing—your home takes care of you year-round. It keeps you warm in a Halifax blizzard and cool during those surprise August heatwaves.
Give it a little attention this March, and it’ll return the favour with lower repair bills, better air, and a smoother spring season.
💬 We’d love to hear from you:
Which tip are you tackling this weekend?
Have a go-to handyman or contractor you trust?
Need a referral? We’ve got a list of our favourite local pros.
📲 Reach out anytime:
info@andrewperkins.co
www.andrewperkins.co
Follow along on IG: @perkinsgrouphfx